Central Trade Unions call strike on 20th, 21st February 2013 against price hike, and for violation of labour laws. The strike has been called jointly by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Bhartiya Majdoor Sangh (BMS), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC) and other trade unions. The independent federations of workers and employees too have joined the protest. More than 10 crores of workers are expected to participate in the General Strike.

The main demands by the trade unions in this strike are: fuel price hike, and for violation of labour laws, Minumum wages hike, Universal social security for the unorganized sector workers, No more disinvestment by selling PSUs and Employment are some of main issues raised by trade unions. Trade unions across the country said that the two-day national strike beginning this Wednesday will be the biggest event involving the labour force in the last many years. Most bank unions are supporting the strike called by United Forum of Bank Unions consisting of nine national unions, including AIBEA, NCBE, BEFI, INBEF, NOBW and AIBOC in support of their demand. Branches of public sector banks are expected to be non-functional and cheque clearing activity will be hit.